Developing the Singapore youth shoulder overuse injury prevention program.

OBJECTIVES: To develop the Singapore Youth Shoulder Overuse Injury Prevention Program specifically for competitive overhead youth athletes in Singapore. DESIGN: Two-round online Delphi technique with experts and a feasibility assessment questionnaire with youth athletes who represented end-users. SETTING: Volleyball for youth athletes. PARTICIPANTS: Experts were recruited through purposive sampling based on their knowledge and experience. Youth athletes were recruited though a volleyball club. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The main outcome measure was the level of consensus on the proposed (1) exercise program for the overhead youth athletes, (2) education program regarding overuse injuries for coaches of overhead youth athletes, and (3) education program regarding overuse injuries for overhead youth athletes. Consensus was set at 75% agreement in this study. RESULTS: Eighteen experts completed the two Delphi rounds with 100% response rate. Consensus was achieved for the exercise program and both education programs. Twelve youth athletes completed the feasibility assessment questionnaire and found the exercises to be feasible in terms of usefulness, practical use, instructions, duration, and ease of execution. CONCLUSION: Consensus was reached for the Singapore Youth Shoulder Overuse Injury Prevention Program, and feasibility of execution by end-users was successfully determined.

Injury Patterns in Highly Specialized Youth Athletes: A Comparison of 2 Pathways to Specialization.

CONTEXT: Sport specialization, commonly defined as intensive year-round training in a single sport to the exclusion of other sports, has been associated with an increased risk for overuse injury. Two pathways to becoming highly specialized are recognized: (1) having only ever played 1 sport (exclusive highly specialized) and (2) quitting other sports to focus on a single sport (evolved highly specialized). Understanding the differences in injury patterns between these groups of highly specialized athletes will inform the development of injury-prevention strategies. OBJECTIVE: To compare the distribution of injury types (acute, overuse, serious overuse) among evolved highly specialized athletes, exclusive highly specialized athletes, and low-moderately specialized athletes. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. SETTING: Tertiary care pediatric sports medicine clinic between January 2015 and April 2019. PATIENTS OR OTHER PARTICIPANTS: A total of 1171 patients (age = 12.01-17.83 years, 59.8% female) who played ≥1 organized sports, presented with a sport-related injury, and completed a sports participation survey. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S): Distribution of injury types (acute, overuse, serious overuse). RESULTS: The percentage of injuries due to overuse was similar between the exclusive and evolved highly specialized athletes (59.2% versus 53.9%; P = .28). Compared with low-moderately specialized athletes, exclusive and evolved highly specialized athletes had a higher percentage of overuse injuries (45.3% versus 59.2% and 53.9%, respectively; P = .001). Multivariate analysis of the highly specialized groups revealed sport type to be a significant predictor of a higher percentage of injuries due to overuse, with individual-sport athletes having increased odds of sustaining an overuse injury compared with team-sport athletes (odds ratio = 1.95; 95% CI = 1.17, 3.24). CONCLUSIONS: The distribution of injury types was similar between evolved and exclusive highly specialized youth athletes, with both groups having a higher percentage of injuries due to overuse compared with low-moderately specialized athletes. Among highly specialized athletes, playing an individual sport was associated with a higher proportion of overuse injuries compared with playing a team sport.

Ambiente de trabalho seguro e sustentável: como a ergonomia de conscientização e participativa se aplica aos servidores públicos? / Safe, sustainable work environment: how awareness and participatory ergonomics can be applied to public servers? / Un entorno de trabajo seguro y sostenible: ¿cómo aplicar la sensibilización y la ergonomía participativa a los servidores públicos?

Introdução: As práticas ergonômicas de conscientização e de participação assumem importante papel na prevenção das doenças ocupacionais. Entretanto, os métodos utilizados pelos programas de prevenção das instituições e empresas visam a correção dos riscos ergonômicos, não observando o fator humano detentor da execução da tarefa. Objetivo: Analisar a utilização das Ergonomia de Conscientização e Participa- ção como programa de educação visando a prevenção primária e a conscientização dos riscos ergonômicos das lesões por esforço repetitivo (LER) e distúrbios osteomusculares relacionadas ao trabalho (DORT). Metodologia: Revisão crítica de literatura, sintetizando o embasamento teórico pertinente ao tema, com documentação técnica, normas, decretos, portarias e dados estatísticos atualizados de afastamento; formando, assim, à análise documental. Resultados e Discussão: Os dados estatísticos mostram a importância de uma mudança nos hábitos, nos programas e nas intervenções ergonômicas no ambiente laboral do trabalhador, visando minimizar os impactos socioeconômicos dos altos índices de afastamento para organizações, empresas privadas e, principalmente, serviços públicos de ensino superior devido a maior precariedade dos ambientes de trabalho. Práticas ergo- nômicas de conscientização e participação dos trabalhadores podem proporcionar uma melhora nos desconfortos do ambiente laboral. Ressalta-se a escassez de pesquisas que priorizem a relação custo-benefício e a eficácia a longo prazo na área de Ergonomia. Conclusões: Novas análises devem ser observadas para promover melhora da qualidade de vida do trabalhador, diminuição das perdas econômicas, contribuindo para um trabalho seguro, decente e sustentável como preconiza principalmente o Objetivo 8 da Agenda 2030 da Organização das Nações Unidas.

Introduction: Ergonomic awareness and participation practices play an im- portant role in the prevention of occupational diseases. However, the methods used by institutions and companies' prevention programs aim to correct ergonomic risks and do not observe the human factor responsible for carrying out the task. Purpose: To analyze the use of Participation and Awareness Ergonomics as an education program aimed at raising awareness of ergonomic risks for the prevention of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMD). Methodology: Critical literature review, summarizing the theoretical basis relevant to the topic, with technical documen- tation, norms, decrees, ordinances, and updated statistical data on leave; thus forming the documental analysis. Results and discussion: Statistical data show the importance of changing habits, programs, and ergonomic interventions in the work environment of the worker, in order to minimize the socioeconomic impacts of the high removal rates of organizations, private companies, and, mainly, public higher education due to more pre- carious work environments. Ergonomic practices of awareness and participation of work- ers can improve the work environment's discomfort. The lack of research that prioritizes the cost-benefit ratio and long-term effectiveness in Ergonomics is highlighted. Conclu- sions: New studies must promote a significant improvement of the quality of life of work- ers, reduction of economic losses and, thus contribute to a safe environment, decent and sustainable, as advocated by Objective 8 of the United Nations 2030 Agenda.

Introducción: Las prácticas de sensibilización y participación ergonómicas desempeñan un papel importante en la prevención de las enfermedades profesionales. Sin embargo, los métodos utilizados por los programas de prevención de instituciones y em- presas tienen como objetivo corregir los riesgos ergonómicos y no observan el factor hu- mano responsable de la realización de la tarea. Propósito: Analizar el uso de la Ergonomía de Participación y Concienciación como programa educativo dirigido a la concienciación de los riesgos ergonómicos para la prevención de las lesiones por esfuerzos repetitivos (LER) y los trastornos musculoesqueléticos de origen laboral (TME). Metodología: Re- visión lit-eratura crítica, resumiendo la base teórica relevante al tema, con documentación técnica, normas, decretos, ordenanzas, y datos estadísticos actualizados sobre bajas la- borales; conformando así el análisis documental. Resultados y discusión: Los datos es- tadísticos demuestran la importancia del cambio de hábitos, programas e intervenciones ergonómicas en el ambiente de trabajo del trabajador, para minimizar los impactos soci- oeconómicos de los altos índices de desvinculación de organizaciones, empresas privadas y, principalmente, de la enseñanza superior pública, debido a la mayor precariedad de los ambientes de trabajo. Práticas ergonómicas de conscientização e par-ticipação dos tra- balhadores podem melhorar a incomodidade do ambiente de trabalho. Se destaca la falta de re-investigación que priorice la relación costo-beneficio y la eficacia a largo plazo en Ergonomía. Conclusiones: Nuevos estudios deben promover una mejora significativa de la calidad de vida de los trabajadores, la reducción de las pérdidas económicas y, así contribuir a un entorno seguro, digno y sostenible, como propugna el Objetivo 8 de la Agenda 2030 de las Na-ciones Unidas.

Compliance compromises an interventional study on iron supplementation in female combatants.

INTRODUCTION: Low iron levels are related to overuse injuries, poor physical performance and cognitive impairments in female recruits. The aim of this study was to evaluate iron supplement compliance in female combatants during basic training, and its effect on haemoglobin (Hgb), ferritin and injuries. METHODS: 329 female recruits to light infantry units filled induction questionnaires regarding smoking status, previous overuse injuries and iron deficiency. Blood was drawn for Hgb and ferritin. Subjects with ferritin levels below 20 ng/mL were considered iron depleted and were prescribed a ferrous fumarate supplement. After 4 months of basic training, the subjects completed a follow-up questionnaire regarding overuse injuries, reasons for failure to complete basic training and compliance with iron supplementation. Blood tests were repeated. RESULTS: Mean ferritin levels declined during training (from 18.1±18.2 to 15.3±9.6, p=0.01). Compliance with iron supplementation was observed in 26 (26.3%) of the subjects. In compliant subjects, Hgb levels remained constant and ferritin levels increased by 2.9±5.4 (p=0.07). The main reasons for reported non-compliance were forgetfulness, 26 (35.6%), and gastrointestinal side effects, 17 (23.3%). Injuries during training were not found to be associated with iron status. Smokers had a significantly higher rate of reported injuries prior to training (p<0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Ferritin levels decline during training. Compliance with iron supplementation is low. Iron supplementation has a significant effect on ferritin levels, even in the non-compliance group. Injuries were not related to iron status in this group. Further research is needed in order to clarify the most appropriate iron supplementation method.

Neuromuscular Warm-Up is Associated with Fewer Overuse Injuries in Ballet Dancers Compared to Traditional Ballet-Specific Warm-Up.

Neuromuscular warm-up exercises (NMWU) have been shown to prevent injuries. In dance, research on warming-up is scarce. We investigated warm-up habits among ballet dancers and the effects of NMWU and traditional ballet-specific warm-up (TBSWU) on injuries. Using a cross-sectional survey among ballet dancers over the age of 18 years, we recorded acute and overuse injuries sustained in the previous 2 years. Warm-up behavior was assessed through 28 items. Dancers were grouped into NMWU or TBSWU: NMWU was based on neuromuscular warm-up programs in sports science and included exercises improving strength, power, proprioception, sensorimotor control, or cardiovascular stimulus; and TBSWU consisted of stretching, dance-technical exercises, marking steps and running-through-choreographies, or stretching with tools. Separate linear regression analyses adjusted for confounding factors were performed for acute and overuse injuries. A total of 192 dancers (26.7 ± 7.82 years, 159 females, 132 professionals) reported 203 acute and 469 overuse injuries. In total, 47.4% of dancers always warmed up (mean duration 20.7 ± 13.2 minutes) based on stretching (63%), technical-exercises (58.9%), strength-training (54.7%), and the barre (53.6%); and 9.4% never warmed up. A total of 31 dancers (16.15%) were classified as TBSWU, 16 dancers (8.3%) for NMWU, and 145 dancers did combined exercises. Those in the NMWU group were associated with fewer overuse injuries compared to those in the TBSWU group (ß = -2.34; 95%CI -3.54 to -1.14). No association was found with acute injuries. As in other athletes, NMWU might be protective against overuse injuries in dancers. Large-scale prospective cohort studies are needed to gain more insight into NMWU as a possible component of injury prevention in ballet.

Manual Therapy Facilitates Homeostatic Adaptation to Bone Microstructural Declines Induced by a Rat Model of Repetitive Forceful Task.

The effectiveness of manual therapy in reducing the catabolic effects of performing repetitive intensive force tasks on bones has not been reported. We examined if manual therapy could reduce radial bone microstructural declines in adult female Sprague-Dawley rats performing a 12-week high-repetition and high-force task, with or without simultaneous manual therapy to forelimbs. Additional rats were provided 6 weeks of rest after task cessation, with or without manual therapy. The control rats were untreated or received manual therapy for 12 weeks. The untreated TASK rats showed increased catabolic indices in the radius (decreased trabecular bone volume and numbers, increased osteoclasts in these trabeculae, and mid-diaphyseal cortical bone thinning) and increased serum CTX-1, TNF-α, and muscle macrophages. In contrast, the TASK rats receiving manual therapy showed increased radial bone anabolism (increased trabecular bone volume and osteoblast numbers, decreased osteoclast numbers, and increased mid-diaphyseal total area and periosteal perimeter) and increased serum TNF-α and muscle macrophages. Rest, with or without manual therapy, improved the trabecular thickness and mid-diaphyseal cortical bone attributes but not the mineral density. Thus, preventive manual therapy reduced the net radial bone catabolism by increasing osteogenesis, while rest, with or without manual therapy, was less effective.

Women's wrist and elbow at work: analysis of acute injuries and cumulative trauma disorders to improve ergonomics in female-dominated activities.

The aim of this study is to analyse women's wrist and elbow acute work injuries together with cumulative trauma disorders, such as carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) and epicondylitis. Five years records (2015-2019) on women's wrist/elbow acute work injuries and CTS/epicondilytis, from Italian National Compensation Authority, were collected and pooled all together as 'dis-ac' (disorders + acute) events. A statistical analysis was performed in comparing the different female-dominated work sectors. Results showed that hairdressing/laundry sector was associated with the highest risk for wrist acute work injuries and cleaning for elbow while manufacturing for CTS and epicondylitis. Hairdressing/laundry and manufacturing were associated with the highest risk for dis-ac events (hairdressing: wrist dis-ac OR: 4.89; CI 95% 4.22-5.67; elbow dis-ac OR: 3.70; CI 95% 2.99-4.58; manufacturing: wrist dis-ac OR: 3.39; CI 95% 3.13-3.66; elbow dis-ac OR: 2.45; CI 95% 2.20-2.73). The relationship between acute injuries and cumulative trauma disorders is discussed to preserve women's safety and health in ergonomics.Practitioner Summary: Women's wrist and elbow acute work injuries and cumulative trauma disorders (carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis) were analysed and studied all together (dis-ac events) in female-dominated activities. Hairdressing and manufacturing work sectors were associated with the highest risk, showing the need to safeguard the health and safety of female workers.

Role of Ergonomic Improvements in Decreasing Repetitive Stress Injuries and Promoting Well-Being in a Radiology Department.

RATIONALE AND OBJECTIVES: To determine if ergonomic improvements in a radiology department can decrease repetitive stress injuries (RSIs), advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Radiologists in an academic institution were surveyed regarding physician wellness, workstations, RSIs, and ergonomics knowledge before and after interventions over 1 year. Interventions included committee formation, education, wrist pads and wireless mice, broken table and chair replacement, and cord organization. Mann-Whitney U test was used for analysis. RESULTS: Survey response was 40% preinterventions (59/147), and 42% (66/157) postinterventions. Preinterventions, of radiologists with RSI history, 17/40 (42%) reported the RSI caused symptoms which can lead to burnout, and 15/40 (37%) responded their RSI made them think about leaving their job. Twenty-three of 59 (39%) radiologists had an active RSI preinterventions. Postinterventions, 9/25 (36%) RSI resolved, 13/25 (52%) RSI improved, and 3/25 (12%) RSI did not improve. RSI improvements were attributed to ergonomic interventions in 19/25 (76%) and therapy in 2/25 (8%). Radiologists who thought their workstation was designed with well-being in mind increased from 9/59 (15%) to 52/64 (81%). The percentage of radiologists knowing little or nothing about ergonomics decreased from 15/59 (25%) to 5/64 (8%). After ergonomics interventions, more radiologists thought the administration cared about safety and ergonomics, equipment was distributed fairly, and radiologists had the ability to ask for equipment (p < .01). Fifty-three of 64 (83%) of radiologists after interventions said improving workstation ergonomic design contributed to well-being. CONCLUSION: Ergonomic improvements in radiology can decrease RSIs, advance ergonomics knowledge, and improve well-being.

Surfing on the world stage: a narrative review of acute and overuse injuries and preventative measures for the competitive and recreational surfer.

Surfing has rapidly grown in popularity as the sport made its debut at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Surfing injuries are becoming more relevant with the globalisation and increasing risks of the sport, but despite this, little is known about surfing injuries or prevention strategies in either the competitive or recreational surfer. Prior research demonstrates that surfers are injured at a frequency of 0.74-1.79 injuries per 1000 hours of surfing. We reviewed the literature for the incidence, anatomical distribution, type and underlying mechanism of acute and overuse injuries, and discuss current preventative measures. This review finds that skin injuries represent the highest proportion of total injuries. Acute injuries most frequently affect the head, neck and face, followed by the lower limbs. Being struck by one's own board is the most common mechanism of injury. Non-contact acute ligament injuries have increased as surfing manoeuvres have become more acrobatic and overuse musculoskeletal injuries are highly correlated with paddling. However, there is a paucity of research for surfing injuries, and studies on overuse musculoskeletal injuries and prevention are disproportionally under-represented. Most of the prior studies are limited by small sample sizes, poor data collection methodology and geographical constraints. Further research is needed to establish preventative measures for both acute and overuse surfing injuries and to ensure the increasing popularity of surfing is met with an improved understanding of sport risks and safety. Specifically, we recommend research be prioritised regarding the efficacy of training programmes to prevent surfing-related overuse musculoskeletal injuries.

Power-assisted Pedicle Screw Technique Protects Against Risk of Surgeon Overuse Injury: A Comparative Electromyography Study of the Neck and Upper Extremity Muscle Groups in a Simulated Surgical Environment.

STUDY DESIGN: Cadaveric. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to quantify the amplitude and duration of surgeons' muscle exertion from pedicle cannulation to screw placement using both manual and power-assisted tools in a simulated surgical environment using surface electromyography (EMG). SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: A survey of Scoliosis Research Society members reported rates of neck pain, rotator cuff disease, lateral epicondylitis, and cervical radiculopathy at 3 ×, 5 ×, 10 ×, and 100â€Š× greater than the general population. The use of power-assisted tools in spine surgery to facilitate pedicle cannulation through screw placement during open posterior fixation surgery may reduce torque on the upper limb and risk of overuse injury. METHODS: Pedicle preparation and screw placement was performed from T4-L5 in four cadavers by two board-certified spine surgeons using both manual and power-assisted techniques. EMG recorded muscle activity from the flexor carpi radialis, extensor carpi radialis, biceps, triceps, deltoid, upper trapezius, and neck extensors. Muscle activity was reported as a percentage of the maximum voluntary exertion of each muscle group (%MVE) and muscle exertion was linked to low- (0-20% MVE), moderate- (20%-45% MVE), high- (45%-70% MVE) and highest- (70%-100% MVE) risk of overuse injury based on literature. RESULTS: Use of power-assisted tools for pedicle cannulation through screw placement maintains average muscle exertion at low risk for overuse injury for every muscle group. Conversely with manual technique, the extensor carpi radialis, biceps, upper trapezius and neck extensors operate at levels of exertion that risk overuse injury for 50% to 92% of procedure time. Powerassisted tools reduce average muscle exertion of the biceps, triceps, and deltoid by upwards of 80%. CONCLUSION: Power-assisted technique protects against risk of overuse injury. Elevated muscle exertion of the extensor carpi radialis, biceps, upper trapezius, and neck extensors during manual technique directly correlate with surgeons' self-reported diagnoses of lateral epicondylitis, rotator cuff disease, and cervical myelopathy.Level of Evidence: N/A.

Leveraging implementation science to prevent and reduce musculoskeletal overuse injury in musicians: A proposal for the study of a conceptual framework.

BACKGROUND: Musician health and wellness, a fundamental requirement for safe, effective and optimal musical performance, is not guaranteed. Performance related musculoskeletal disorders (PRMD) affect between 60% and 90% of all musicians, and have serious consequences on musculoskeletal health, performance ability and the overall healthcare burden of musculoskeletal injury. The high prevalence of PRMD in musicians can be prevented and reduced via health-education programs designed to address risk factors and practice habits. Multiple studies demonstrate the efficacy of education and instructional exercises in reducing PRMD symptoms in musicians. Despite the awareness of risk and the substantial consequence of non-adherence, implementation of health-education programs is complex and challenging and is rarely offered in music institutions. For successful adoption of musculoskeletal health programs, it is important to identify system level barriers and facilitators and it is important to develop and pilot effective strategies to guide successful implementation of musculoskeletal health programs for musicians. PURPOSE: This paper proposes a conceptual framework using implementation science methodology to study the factors that influence adoption of musician health education programs to prevent performance related injury. The overall goal of this methodology is to identify determinants of implementation by engaging key stakeholders, developing strategies for adoption of injury prevention programs and generate hypotheses for future studies. METHODS: The research plan is designed to accomplish the specific aims of this study. Through a mixed-method study we will use qualitative and quantitative methods to address potential barriers, and design and test implementation feasibility of health-education programs for musicians. RESULTS/CONCLUSIONS: Our findings will inform the development of a large-scale participant randomized hybrid trial to assess effectiveness and implementation outcomes of health education programs and ultimately reduce injury and promote musculoskeletal longevity and performance in musicians.

Dance Exposure, Individual Characteristics, and Injury Risk over Five Seasons in a Professional Ballet Company.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to describe the relationships between dance exposure, dancer characteristics, and injury risk across five seasons in a professional ballet company. METHODS: Dance exposure time and clinician-reported time-loss and medical attention injury data were prospectively collected from 118 professional dancers of The Royal Ballet between 2015/2016 and 2019/2020. Cox proportional hazards and shared frailty models were fitted to overuse and traumatic injuries; individualized robust Z-scores for 7- and 28-d accumulated exposure, and week-to-week change in exposure, age, sex, company rank, and injury history were included as time-varying covariates. RESULTS: Across 381,710 h of exposure, 1332 medical attention and 427 time-loss injuries were observed. Positive relationships were observed between week-to-week change in exposure and overuse time-loss (+1 Z-score hazard ratio (HR), 1.27; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.06-1.53) and medical attention injury risk (+1 Z-score HR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.28). A negative relationship was observed between 7-d accumulated exposure and overuse medical attention injury risk (+1 Z-score HR, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.66-0.84). Overuse time-loss injury risk was greater in soloists compared with the corps de ballet (HR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.01-2.15) and in dancers with a higher previous injury rate (+1 injury per 1000 h HR, 1.06; 95% CI, 1.02-1.10). Only age was associated with traumatic time-loss (+1-yr HR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01-1.09) or medical attention injury risk (+1-yr HR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.01-1.07). CONCLUSIONS: Professional ballet companies should implement training principles such as periodization and progression, particularly in the case of senior-ranking dancers, older dancers, and dancers with high rates of previous injury. These findings provide a basis for future prospective investigations into specific causal injury pathways.

Lesiones deportivas por sobreuso en niños y adolescentes / Sports injuries due to overuse in children and adolescents

La actividad deportiva en niños y adolescentes ha presentado un aumento sostenido en nuestro país en los últimos años; esto ha generado un aumento de las lesiones deportivas por sobreuso. Éstas pueden tener múltiples orígenes, dependiendo de la edad y la actividad del paciente. La mayoría son de manejo conservador, sin embargo, algunas requieren manejo quirúrgico. Lo más importante es la prevención de estas lesiones mediante el uso de equipo apropiado, regulando la intensidad y tipo de entrenamiento y tratando precozmente las lesiones.

Sports activity in children and adolescents has presented a sustained increase in our country in recent years, generating an increase in sports-related overuse injuries. These injuries vary in nature, depending on the patient ́s age and level of training. Most are conservatively managed; although, some will require surgical treatment. It is important, however, to try to prevent these injuries by using appropriate equipment, regulating the intensity and type of training and treating injuries early

Epidemiology of injuries in water board sports: trauma versus overuse injury.

BACKGROUND: Surfing is an increasingly popular sport in the world, but it is not sufficiently investigated in terms of epidemiology of injuries and possible prevention strategies. Moreover, there are different surfing disciplines, with specific characteristics and therefore different potential risks of injury. The aim of this study was to look at the injuries of recreational surfers in an Italian cohort, distinguishing between trauma and overuse lesions and putting in evidence any difference between specific water board sports. METHODS: The design is that of a retrospective observational study. An online survey was distributed to a group of Italian surfers that are members of a surfing association. The survey comprised: demographic data, surfing information such as number of sessions per year and years of experience, and surfing injuries story. The sample size consisted of 126 recreational surfers who practiced four different types of surfing: surf, kitesurf, windsurf and stand-up paddle. RESULTS: The incidence of trauma was significantly higher than the incidence of overuse lesions in all four water board sports evaluated (e.g. in surf, 81% for trauma vs. 27% for overuse, with a difference of 55% , P<0.0001). There was a statistically significant effect of the number of surfing sessions per year both for trauma (W=6.36, P=0.0117) and for total injuries (trauma + overuse; W=4.30, P=0.0381), with a 12-times increased risk for the surfers who performed more than 80 sessions per year. The risk of overuse injuries was higher for those who practice surf for more than seven years (P=0.0193). CONCLUSIONS: Traumas are more frequent than overuse injuries for all the investigated surfing disciplines. The risk of injury increases as the number of annual sessions and the years of practice increase, demonstrating that experience is not a protective factor, whereas higher exposure is certainly a risk factor. New injury prevention strategies should be based on athletic training and preparation programs, traditionally lacking among recreational surfers.

Characteristics of Eight Irish Dance LandingsConsiderations for Training and Overuse Injury Prevention.

Irish dance has evolved in aesthetics that lead to greater physical demands on dancers' bodies. Irish dancers must land from difficult moves without letting their knees bend or heels touch the ground, causing large forces to be absorbed by the body. The majority of injuries incurred by Irish dancers are due to overuse (79.6%). The purpose of this study was to determine loads on the body of female Irish dancers, including peak force, rise rate of force, and impulse, in eight common Irish hard shoe and soft shoe dance movements. It was hypothesized that these movements would produce different ground reac- tion force (GRF) characteristics. Sixteen female Irish dancers were recruited from the three highest competitive levels. Each performed a warm-up, reviewed the eight movements, and then performed each movement three times on a force plate, four in soft shoes and four in hard shoes. Ground reaction forces were measured using a three-dimensional force plate recording at 1,000 Hz. Peak force, rise rate, and vertical impulse were calculated. Peak forces normalized by each dancer's body weight for each of these variables were significantly different between move- ments and shoe types [F(15, 15)= 65.4, p < 0.01; F(15, 15) = 65.0, p < 0.01; and F(15, 15) = 67.4, p < 0.01, respectively]. The variable years of experience was not correlated with peak force, rise rate, or impulse (p > 0.40). It is concluded that there was a large range in GRF characteristics among the eight movements studied. Understanding the force of each dance step will allow instructors to develop training routines that help dancers adapt gradually to the high forces experienced in Irish dance training and competitions, thereby limiting the potential for overuse injuries.

Defining a Research Agenda for Youth Sport Specialization in the United States: The AMSSM Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit.

ABSTRACT: Sport specialization is becoming increasingly common among youth and adolescent athletes in the United States and many have raised concern about this trend. Although research on sport specialization has grown significantly, numerous pressing questions remain pertaining to short- and long-term effects of specialization on the health and well-being of youth, including the increased risk of overuse injury and burnout. Many current elite athletes did not specialize at an early age. Methodological and study design limitations impact the quality of current literature, and researchers need to prioritize pressing research questions to promote safe and healthy youth sport participation. The American Medical Society for Sports Medicine hosted a Youth Early Sport Specialization Summit in April 2019 with the goal of synthesizing and reviewing current scientific knowledge and developing a research agenda to guide future research in the field based on the identified gaps in knowledge. This statement provides a broad summary of the existing literature, gaps and limitations in current evidence, and identifies key research priorities to help guide researchers conducting research on youth sport specialization. Our goals are to help improve the quality and relevance of research on youth sport specialization and to ultimately assure that opportunities for healthy and safe sport participation continue for all youth.

The Effect of Straight-Line Long-Toss Versus Ultra-Long-Toss Throwing on Passive Glenohumeral Range of Motion Recovery After Pitching.

BACKGROUND: Repetitive throwing in baseball pitchers can lead to pathologic changes in shoulder anatomy, range of motion (notably glenohumeral internal rotation deficit), and subsequent injury; however, the ideal strengthening, recovery, and maintenance protocol of the throwing shoulder in baseball remains unclear. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are straight-line long-toss (SLT) throwing and ultra-long-toss (ULT) throwing, although neither is preferentially supported by empirical data. HYPOTHESIS: ULT will be more effective in returning baseline internal rotation as compared with SLT in collegiate pitchers after a pitching session. STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 3. METHODS: A total of 24 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I baseball pitchers with mean age 20.0 ± 1.1 years were randomized to either the ULT group (n = 13; 9 right-hand dominant, 4 left-hand dominant) or SLT group (n = 11; 10 right-hand dominant, 1 left-hand dominant). Measurements (dominant and nondominant, 90° abducted external rotation [ER], internal rotation [IR], and total range of motion [TROM]) were taken at 5 time points across 3 days: before and immediately after a standardized bullpen session on day 1; before and immediately after a randomized standardized ULT or SLT session on day 2; and before practice on Day 3. RESULTS: ULT demonstrated significantly greater final ER compared with baseline (+10°; P = 0.05), but did not demonstrate significant IR changes. Similarly, SLT demonstrated significantly greater post-SLT ER (+12°; P = 0.02) and TROM (+12°;P = 0.01) compared with baseline, but no significant IR changes. Final ER measurements were similar between ULT (135° ± 14°) and SLT (138° ± 10°) (P = 0.59). There was also no statistically significant difference in final IR between ULT (51° ± 14°) and SLT (56° ± 8°) (P = 0.27). CONCLUSION: The routine use of postperformance, ULT throwing to recover from range of motion alterations, specifically IR loss, after a pitching session is not superior to standard, SLT throwing. Based on these findings, the choice of postpitching recovery throwing could be player specific based on experience and comfort. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The most effective throwing regimens for enhancing performance and reducing residual impairment are unclear, and ideal recovery and maintenance protocols are frequently debated with little supporting data. Two strategies for throwing shoulder recovery from pitching are SLT and ULT throwing. These are employed to help maintain range of motion and limit IR loss in pitchers. The routine use of ULT throwing for recovery and to limit range of motion alterations after a pitching session is not superior to SLT throwing.

The relationship between training load and pain, injury and illness in competitive swimming: A systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Research suggests that the frequency of training, combined with the repetitive motion involved in high volume swimming can predispose swimmers to symptoms of over-training. The prevention of pain, injury and illness is of paramount importance in competitive swimming in order to maximise a swimmer's ability to train and perform consistently. A significant factor in the prevention of pain, injury or illness is the appropriate load monitoring and management practices within a training programme. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this systematic review is to investigate the relationship between training load and pain, injury and illness in competitive swimmers. METHODS: The databases SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Scopus, MEDLINE and Embase were searched in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Studies were included if they reported on competitive swimmers and analysed the link between training load and either pain, injury or illness. The methodological quality and study bias were assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist. RESULTS: The search retrieved 1,959 articles, 15 of which were included for review. The critical appraisal process indicated study quality was poor overall. Pain was the most explored condition (N = 12), with injury (N = 2) and illness (N = 1) making up the remaining articles. There was no evidence of an association between training load and pain, while there may be some evidence to suggest a relationship between training load and injury or illness. CONCLUSIONS: The relationship between training load and pain, injury or illness is unclear owing to a host of methodological constraints. The review highlighted that youth, masters and competitive swimmers of a lower ability (e.g. club versus international) may need particular consideration when planning training loads. Winter periods, higher intensity sessions and speed elements may also need to be programmed with care. Monitoring practices need to be developed in conjunction with consensus guidelines, with the inclusion of internal training loads being a priority. Future research should focus on longitudinal prospective studies, utilising the session Rating of Perceived Exertion (sRPE) monitoring method and investigating the applicability of Acute/Chronic Workload Ratio (ACWR) and exponentially weighted moving average (EWMA). Improved methods and study design will provide further clarity on the relationship between load and pain, injury, and illness.

Injuries and illnesses among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts during preseason: a prospective cohort study of prevalence, incidence and risk factors.

OBJECTIVES: Rhythmic gymnastics is an Olympic sport that demands high training volume from early age. We investigated the extent of, and risk factors for, injuries among competitive Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts. METHODS: One hundred and seven of 133 (80.5%) female rhythmic gymnasts (mean age: 14.5 years (SD 1.6), mean body mass index: 18.9 (SD 2.2)) participated. All gymnasts completed a baseline questionnaire and the 'Triad-Specific Self-Report Questionnaire'. Injuries, illnesses and training hours were recorded prospectively for 15 weeks during preseason using the 'Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems' (OSTRC-H2). RESULTS: Response rate to OSTRC-H2 was 97%. Mean overuse and acute injury prevalence were 37% (95% CI: 36% to 39%) and 5% (95% CI: 4% to 6%), respectively. Incidence was 4.2 overuse injuries (95% CI: 3.6 to 4.9) and 1.0 acute injuries (95% CI: 0.5 to 1.6) per gymnast per year. Overuse injuries in knees, lower back and hip/groin represented the greatest burdens. Previous injury increased the odds of injury (OR 30.38, (95% CI: 5.04 to 183.25)), while increased age (OR 0.61 per year, (95% CI: 0.39 to 0.97)) and presence of menarche (OR: 0.20, (95% CI: 0.06 to 0.71)) reduced the odds of all injuries and substantial injuries, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: Overuse injuries were common among Norwegian rhythmic gymnasts. Younger gymnasts had higher all-injury risk. Gymnasts who were not menstruating had higher substantial injury risk. Injury prevention interventions should start at an early age and focus on preventing knee, lower back and hip/groin injuries.

Risk factors for overuse injuries in short- and long-distance running: A systematic review.

PURPOSE: The aim of this study was to review information about risk factors for lower extremity running injuries in both short-distance (mean running distance ≤20 km/week and ≤10 km/session) and long-distance runners (mean running distance >20 km/week and >10 km/session). METHODS: Electronic databases were searched for articles published up to February 2019. Prospective cohort studies using multivariable analysis for the assessment of individual risk factors or risk models for the occurrence of lower extremity running injuries were included. Two reviewers independently selected studies for eligibility and assessed risk of bias with the Quality in Prognostic Studies Tool. The GRADE approach was used to assess the quality of the evidence. RESULTS: A total of 29 studies were included: 17 studies focused on short-distance runners, 11 studies focused on long-distance runners, and 1 study focused on both types of runners. A previous running-related injury was the strongest risk factor for an injury for long-distance runners, with moderate-quality evidence. Previous injuries not attributed to running was the strongest risk factor for an injury for short-distance runners, with high-quality evidence. Higher body mass index, higher age, sex (male), having no previous running experience, and lower running volume were strong risk factors, with moderate quality evidence, for short-distance runners. Low-quality evidence was found for all risk models as predictors of running-related injuries among short- and long-distance runners. CONCLUSION: Several risk factors for lower extremity injuries have been identified among short- and long-distance runners, but the quality of evidence for these risk factors for running-related injuries is limited. Running injuries seem to have a multifactorial origin both in short- and long-distance runners.